Advil is a commonly used over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It contains the active ingredient ibuprofen, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). While Advil can be effective in relieving pain and reducing inflammation, there have been concerns about its potential to cause kidney failure.

There is evidence that taking high doses of NSAIDs like Advil for long periods of time can increase the risk of kidney damage. One study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that people who regularly took NSAIDs had a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) than those who did not. The study also found that the risk of CKD increased with the duration of NSAID use and the dose taken.

Another study published in the journal Kidney International found that taking high doses of NSAIDs was associated with a higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI is a sudden, often reversible, loss of kidney function that can occur within hours or days of taking the medication.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/thermometer-on-medical-pills-139398/

 It is important to note that the risk of kidney damage from Advil is higher in people who already have kidney disease, as well as in the elderly and those with other medical conditions that affect kidney function. Advil may cause kidney damage in people who take other medications that can affect the kidneys, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers.

However, it is important to emphasize that kidney failure from Advil is rare and usually occurs only in people who take high doses for long periods of time. According to the National Kidney Foundation, taking Advil occasionally for pain relief is unlikely to cause kidney damage in healthy people.

To reduce the risk of kidney damage from Advil, the medication should be taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible. It is also critical to drink plenty of water while taking Advil and to avoid taking it with other medications that may have an effect on the kidneys.

While there is evidence that taking high doses of Advil for long periods of time can increase the risk of kidney damage, Advil-related kidney failure is uncommon and usually occurs only in people who already have kidney disease or other medical conditions. It is critical to take Advil exactly as directed and to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about its use.